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Introductory Pattern Cutting with Alice Prier

Can you always find the pattern for your dream dress in a perfect fit? The answer is probably no.

An understanding of how patterns work is an essential part of becoming a good dressmaker. It will save you time and trouble, ensure a good fit and help you unleash your inner designer. Our teacher Alice Prier has a wealth of experience in designing clothes with her own couture clothing practice and has many stories to share with you!

Alice teaches the widely acclaimed Telestia Method* which uses a unique template to achieve a great fit whatever your measurements and body shape and without the need for a lot of maths and difficult calculations.

Over the course of the weekend you will cover the following topics:

Day 1 - Technical

Take accurate body measurements

Draft a dress block and sleeve block

Learn how to use your block for separates

Add seam allowances and other markings

Make a calico toile

Do any small fit adjustments needed to ensure a perfect fit

Day 2 - Creative (& Technical!)

Pivoting darts Creating panels

Slash and spread

Changing necklines and adding collars

Adding ease and volume

These techniques form the basis of all pattern cutting and once you’ve grasped them you can make a pattern for anything from a bikini to an overcoat! You will learn how to adapt your block to create a variety of tops, skirts and dresses and how to introduce your own design details. We will also discuss the best way to combine your personal block with a commercial pattern.

A Telestia template will be provided for each student to use during the course and are available to buy with the instruction book for £75 if you’d like to make blocks in different sizes. You would not need to purchase one if you want to adapt the block to make different styles.

Level: These classes are aimed at confident sewers, you will get the most out of them if you have used commercial patterns before and have experience in making a variety of different garments. Tools and materials are provided on both days & lunch and refreshments are included.

Tools and materials are provided on both days & lunch and refreshments are included.

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER

Alice Prier has been teaching Pattern Cutting at Ray Stitch ever since she popped in to buy a zip during the opening week!

Alice loves a perfectly fitting block and takes great pleasure in showing her students how to draft their own using the unique Telestia system - she promises minimal maths and only a few measurements. She will unravel the mystery of how to turn your design dreams into garments - that fit! Which for Alice is the most fun part of dressmaking.

Alice originally trained as a theatre designer then set up her couture clothing company Alice & Co over 20 years ago, making smart outfits for city women. She teaches pattern cutting both to home sewers and to young people wanting a career in the fashion industry. She has cut patterns commercially for companies such as Harrods, ASOS and M&S. She has also written her first book, Pattern Making Templates for Skirts and Dresses which has recently been published and is available to buy in our store. Whenever she can, Alice likes to travel the world writing her fashion/travel blog www.where2wearit.com seeking design inspiration and adding to her ever growing fabric and haberdashery stash!